 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jerry
Date: 2001-03-24 00:03
As I sit here contemplating life, the calrinet, and the conversations found here one Sneezy - with "Pete's Beat" playing in the background - I reallize that I will probably never play this instrument very well. There is probably not enough time left for me to practice as much as needed. However, I hope to be able to play something substantial ( a rather nebulous term) within two years of my attempting to learn this gaget.
How smooth Pete's sound is. A friend of mine said that he watched the biography of Lawrence Welk the other night and it was mentioned that Pete Fountain played in his band in the 1950's. Can anyone comfirm this? So, I guess Pete has had many years to mature as a clarinetist, as many of you here on the BB have had. I am, and I'm sure many others are, indebted to those of you here, for your sage advice. I know I would probably given up before now. To have tried and failed is not a crime bu to not have tried at all............ Or something like that.
Thank all.
~ jerry
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-03-24 00:13
I saw the same show and yes Pete Fountain appeared on this anniversary or biography or whatever it was. In addition, he stated that he had appeared on Lawrence Welk when he (Pete) was young.
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Author: Todd
Date: 2001-03-24 00:39
jerry--
When I enter Pete Fountain on my web browser (I use google), among the sites listed are two that are (somewhat old) interviews with Pete. He briefly mentions his time with Lawrence Welk in each interview, as well as other interesting tidbits if you're a Fountain fan.
The sites are (if I've copied them correctly:
www.experienceneworleans.com/pete.html
www.offbeat.com/text/fountain.html
Hope this is useful,
Todd
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Author: Jim
Date: 2001-03-24 04:05
Pete plays about 30 seconds or so on a new Welk cast reunion show that is making its way to PBS stations during the March begging period. It aired on the Phila. affiliate the past 3 Saturdays.
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Author: Jim
Date: 2001-03-24 10:38
If I'm not mistaken, I am a senior citizen, Pete followed Morey Amado as the jazz clarinet on the band. Bill Page's claim to fame was running thin. Pete mentioned once that he needed the money to start his own club in NO. When he left the band, he did open his own club. Goodman heard Pete to "Closer Walk" and asked his arranger to do a chart. He told Benny that Pete owned that tune and he shouldn't mess with it. I don't remember if Goodman ever did the tune or not. I'd say that was quite an honor for Pete!!!!!!
Jim
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Author: jerry
Date: 2001-03-24 10:58
TODD
Thanks for the Pete sites............they are bookmarked. I see that his birthdate is 3 days from mine (only eight years apart) - does that count for anything?
JIM
You don't have to be a senior citzen to be mistaken (or forgetfull) but it helps - I know.
Thanks for the info.
OOPS! I think my radio equipment may have just taken a lightening strike. See Y'all later.
~ jerry
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Author: Bob Curtis
Date: 2001-03-24 13:51
jerry:
I remember hearing and seeing Pete Fountain on TV!! My family and I watched him in Ft. Worth on cable as a college student back in the EARLY days of TV - the early 50's. After I left college and started teaching my wife and I enjoyed the Lawrence Welk show and remember seeing and hearing the great style of Pete Fountain on TV via the Lawrence Welk shows. He had hair then along with his famous mustache and beard and used a crystal mouthpiece.
I have watched your comments and remember the times when we had long written conversations about your clarinet playing. Don't try to set your goals to be a professional - just enjoy playing the instrument and if you feel conmfortable try to join a community band or something like that to associate with others who play the instrument. You will get encouragement and have a lot fun at the same time. It is good to hear from your again.
Bob Curtis
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Author: jerry
Date: 2001-03-24 14:24
Bob Curtis
OH! By all means, I have no intention of setting my goals as a professional - Lord knows I don't have that much time left. Bob, I would love to get to the point where I could play in a community band but I don't expect that either. I would be satisfied, for now at least, to be able to play one simple song all the way through (smoothly). I see posts of those who have won all kinds of accolades with their CL playing and at the same time complaining of teacher's "too much discipline".
After six months I feel I should at least play the "G" "F" scale smoothly (the only two I know). I'm still waiting to reach that plateau everyone speaks of, so I too can have fun. Lesson pre-empted for teacher rehersal today so I cannot get my instructor to check out my recently repaired (new tennon cork) CL - cannot tell if it's me or the instrument.
Sorry about the Pitty Party. I'm working on it! I'm working on it!
~ jerry
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2001-03-24 14:57
Hey Jerry,
Welcome to the restarting "geezer club". At 75 I just had Dave S rehab an older Robert Malerne Bb for me and fix up a couple of mouthpieces and can't wait 'til I get my lip back. Works a 'lil different with false teeth and other medical squacks. Ha! Ha!
Bob A
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Author: jerry
Date: 2001-03-24 15:09
Bob A.
I was wondering how store-bought teeth worked with the CL ...............looks like nothing is imposible these days. Now, as long as you accept beginners into the "geezer club" ...................
Thanks.
~ jerry
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2001-03-24 19:55
Jerry, I tried it with my upper plate out (that old double-lip bit) 'til I looked in the mirror while playing. The resemblance to "Popeye" was toooo much!
Bob A
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